A Southeast Portland metal finishing company has agreed to stop using a chemical solvent after the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality determined on April 17 that it exceeded Cleaner Air Oregon health risk levels and posed a potential health risk to the nearby community.
Electro-Chem Metal Finishing, located near Portland’s Brooklyn, Creston-Kenilworth, and Reed neighborhoods, used trichloroethylene (TCE) in its vapor degreasing process. The DEQ found through air quality modeling that TCE emissions from the facility were many times higher than state health-based risk levels. When notified by DEQ staff, Electro-Chem agreed to immediately cease use of TCE.
The issue was discovered as DEQ evaluated permit requirements under the Cleaner Air Oregon program. Inspections revealed intermittent emissions of TCE—about once per week—which led DEQ to conduct an immediate risk assessment. Modeling results showed short-term exposure risks far above regulatory thresholds, prompting swift action.
“This is exactly the kind of situation Cleaner Air Oregon was created to address,” said Christine Svetkovich, DEQ northwest region administrator. “When we determine air toxics levels may pose a health risk, we act quickly. In this case, the company agreed to immediately stop using TCE, which removes exposure while we continue working to ensure compliance with Cleaner Air Oregon health standards.”
In a statement released by Electro-Chem Metal Finishing: “After our conversation this afternoon regarding your findings on the use of Trichloroethylene (TCE), Electro-Chem has immediately ceased operation of that process in our shop. As of Friday, April 17th, 2026, we will transfer all remaining TCE to waste drums in preparation for transport to the appropriate hazardous waste facility… The TCE waste will be removed within the next 30 days. Any future solvents used in our vapor degreaser will be verified to meet Clean Air Oregon standards.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule prohibiting most uses of TCE in 2024; however, implementation has been delayed due to legal challenges and federal administrative actions.
According to Oregon Health Authority (OHA), long-term public health risks from past estimated levels of airborne TCE around Electro-Chem are low for most people; however, there is concern about effects on developing hearts during early pregnancy and potential miscarriage risks for pregnant individuals exposed during their first trimester. OHA advises those concerned about exposure during pregnancy or within the past year contact their healthcare provider or local public clinics for information resources.
“The most important public health action is to stop the exposure, and DEQ’s agreement with Electro-Chem has accomplished that,” said Gabriela Goldfarb, manager of OHA’s Environmental Public Health Section.
DEQ and OHA plan continued monitoring at Electro-Chem Metal Finishing and ongoing engagement with community members regarding environmental compliance and potential health concerns.
